Flowering gum trees include a number of varieties that are well suited for both the the home garden as well as larger parks and street plantings.
All Eucalypts will flower, including the lemon scented gum, messmate, stringybark, mountain ash, as well as the red gum. These are very important trees not only for shade, birds and fauna, but also for the flowers that attract masses of pollinating bees. Flowering gum trees provide Australia with some of the best honey available.
The varieties grown almost entirely for the flowers are Corymibia ficifolia. With these new grafted varieties and dwarf cultivars of the red flowering gum are becoming available, and these classic plants are now hardier and more reliable in a wider range of climates.
The flowering gums that most attract landscapers and home gardeners are those from Western Australia, including, the well know red flowering gum. However, given the climate and soil of the eastern states, these species often do not do well.
Care and Growing Conditions
Although these wonderful trees can be grown from seed it is the grafted varieties that do best away from the natural environment. They still require a sunny position and a well drained soil. They grow well in coastal conditions, particularly if sheltered behind the first row of sand dunes.
Grafted Flowering Gums are the most reliable, with more reliable colors and more variety in size, grafted onto a stronger rootstock you are sure to find one that suits your garden. With smaller varieties being developed (some grow to only 3m) even a small courtyard can feature one of these magnificent flowering gums. Smaller varieties can even be grown in large pots.
The main flowering time for flowering gum trees is from spring to summer, however this will depend on the climate as well as the variety. Many will spot flower through the year in good conditions.
Growth rate also depends on variety, climate and soil. Some of the grafted varieties will reach around 6 metres in height. other types can reach 10 to 15 metres over time. The smaller growing cultivars usually reach around 5 metres over 10 to 15 years.